I have had the privilege of sitting down and hanging out with some of the greatest leaders and speakers in the church today. I would love to tell you about my day and the incredible conversations and things I learned…but I want to make a Uturn and introduce to you one of the greatest leaders in the church today that you have never heard of.

If heaven ever had a conference, this man would be introduced by Jesus Christ as the greatest! He doesn’t have a blog; he doesn’t have a church; he doesn’t have a book deal; he didn’t start a church; he isn’t a pastor or on our staff.  So who is he and what does he do?  What is so special about him that if heaven had a GIK Conference…Greatest In The Kingdom…Jesus would put him in the front of the line?

His name is Frank Blair, never heard of him? That’s OK, neither has the majority of our church. What does he do? Frank is Northway’s maintenance man. What’s so special about him?

I don’t have words really, so I’ll use Jesus’ words…whoever wants to be great must become small…if you want to be greatest in the Kingdom…you must serve others.  Frank Blair is the greatest in heaven’s eyes. Heaven’s eyes don’t measure the way we do in the church world.  Heaven sees the heart, and simply put, God uses and blesses humble hearts.

Frank cleans Malta; I’m talking bathrooms, taking out the trash, vacuuming…all the dirty, filthy stuff that no one ever thinks about on the weekend as they are enjoying their experience at our church. Yesterday afternoon, I was shocked and stunned to receive a phone call that Frank had passed away. My staff heard the vacuum running and found Frank lying on the floor and tried to revive him…however Frank didn’t make it. One moment Frank is serving Jesus, and the next moment, he is seeing Jesus! One moment he is under the radar, and the next moment he is recognized by a standing ovation in heaven! Can you imagine that?

Let me tell you more about Frank.  He didn’t know Jesus…he was completely unchurched.  However he saw life change in his family as they went to this new church, Northway.  After numerous invitations, he decided to come. Now Frank was in his 70s, and people in that demographic aren’t supposed to like our church…but Frank did. In fact, he just kept coming back…and then he decided to ask Christ into his life, got baptized, and had been serving Jesus ever since in the Church. One of the highlights of my day was to hear Frank Laugh! Frank had outrageous, contagious Joy…I will miss that dearly. Of all the great things I’ve learned at this conference, Frank Blair taught me more than anyone.  He reminds me of why we exist as a church. He reminds me to enjoy life…enjoy the simple things.  To be GREAT, YOU HAVE TO BE small. Frank taught me how to stay out of my comfort zone.  Frank taught me how to leave a legacy. Frank Blair…GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. I will miss you dearly, my friend.  I know I’ll be serving way behind you in heaven. Please pray with me for the entire family.

I’ll keep you posted on the services.